Congrats on starting, resuming, or going back to college! Getting to class, participating in extracurriculars, or jumping between your classwork and job is a lot easier when you don’t have to worry about how to get your gear from one place to the next. We’re here to help!
Before we dive into the list, you must decide what you want from college backpacks. Are you going to be carrying a laptop? If so, how many inches is it? You’ll need a pack with a compartment that can accommodate that. Will you have books, and if so, are they thick or heavy? This will dictate how big your bag needs to be. Will you use this pack exclusively for class, or do you want to use it for the gym, intramurals, and work, too? This may change what features you look for when making a purchase.
It’s also important to know what you want out of your backpack. Do you want something that gets the job done, or do you want it to match your style, too? Maybe you’re looking for something to take to an interview or a student conference—the options are endless. If that endlessness has filled you with more questions, we have more answers in our FAQ section. Read on, check them out, and may you find a reliable partner for campus life!
The North Face Borealis Backpack Review
Best value
If you like the North Face Jester Backpack, you'll be into their Borealis Backpack. It has premium materials, features, and high-quality hardware that still comes at a more-than-fair price tag.
The Borealis harness system is comfortable, has convenient external storage for your school gear, and comes in numerous colorways, so you can find a model that fits your vibe. It doesn't have any strap keepers, so there are some extra materials to work with; however, you can fix that yourself or go with the flow.
The bungee system on the front of the Borealis is large and easy to work with, so you can attach larger gear here. The sternum strap has an emergency whistle when you need to be heard on campus, and we dig the internal organization. For those looking for one of the best backpacks for college from a brand they've heard of, look no further than the Borealis!
Why We Like It- A comfortable and durable harness system
- Lots of external storage that’s easy to use
- No strap keepers on the pack
- The false bottom isn’t raised very high
Cotopaxi Batac in Detroit
Best budget
There are a lot of colorful packs out there, but none quite as unique as the Cotopaxi Batac 16L. By choosing the Del Día option, you give bag makers in the Phillippines creative control over what your pack looks like, including which vibrant colors are chosen to construct it. How fun is that?
Before we get too far, we should mention that this pack doesn't have a dedicated laptop sleeve. However, you can combat this by buying and carrying one separately. This pack is lightweight, making it good for various uses if you’re looking for something to take you from days on campus to a weekend hike. However, if laptop protection is your top priority, this won't be one of the best school backpacks for you.
The shoulder straps are lightweight and breathable, which we dig. This isn't common for most college backpacks. If you can overcome the lack of a dedicated laptop sleeve, this might be one of the best backpacks for college out there.
Why We Like It- The colorways are vibrant and fun
- Shoulder straps and back panel are comfortable
- No dedicated laptop compartment
- Side pockets aren’t very structured
Tortuga Laptop Backpack Review
Best splurge
Tortuga’s SHELL200 fabric is front and center among the brand’s lineup for two reasons: it’s light, and the multi-layered shell offers great weather resistance. It’s a really solidly built backpack without feeling too heavy to carry, which is essential since you’ll be filling it up with books.
Where the SHELL200 fabric begins to show weakness is in its structure. More specifically, the bag’s front starts to look floppy if you pack any of the pockets located near that area. It’s most obvious when the main compartment is empty and there’s room for the fabric to cave in. Of course, this is really more of an aesthetic nitpick than an outright deal-breaker.
We also find the harness system to be more than capable of carrying heavy loads. Using the sternum strap does make the shoulder straps dig in too much for our liking, so we recommend sticking to just using the shoulder straps to avoid that constricting feel—though, unfortunately, they’re not removable.
In terms of storage, the Tortuga Laptop Backpack is pretty generous. The bottle pockets at the sides are big enough for 20-something-ounce bottles, andthe top pocket is similarly roomy for your quick-access items like pens, a field notebook, or some toiletry. However, we’re more impressed by how it can be accessed from the inside the main compartment, which is also quite spacious and easily navigable thanks to its wide opening. That said, it also houses the bag’s admin panel located at the far back, making it tricky to access when other gear is blocking it. Thankfully, the laptop compartment is still a separate one, so access to your device remains convenient.
Why We Like It- SHELL200 brings a good balance of weather resistance and lightness
- Easy access to all its roomy compartments for quick gear grabs
- Admin panel is within the main compartment where gear can block it
- Front can be floppy when the pockets are filled
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack Review
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack is the perfect mixture of comfort and cuteness; plus, it was designed to carry a laptop, which makes it ideal for heading to class. The shoulder straps are comfortable, the laptop compartment is easily accessible, and the handles on the top of the pack make it easy to hop from table to table at the library.
In testing, the materials have faded over time. They're still just as durable, and it took three years of use to happen, but if you're an incoming freshman looking for a four-year companion, it's worth noting.
The laptop compartment can hold up to a 13" inch computer, which is all most students need. However, if you have a larger size device, they make bigger sizes of this same exact style backpack. We think it’s a cute way to get your gear from point A to point B comfortably, making it one of the best college backpacks on the market.
Why We Like It- It blends cuteness with comfort
- Has a dedicated laptop compartment
- The material will fade over time
- Side pockets are very small
Topo Designs Daypack In Detroit
If you're looking for a pack that you can get into the nitty gritty of your gear organization and segmentation but don't want to get one of the college backpacks that comes in a bland color, we've got you covered. The Topo Designs Daypack has intuitive organizational details you can use for college and comes in colorful, heritage styling. Plus, it's easy to attach gear to the exterior.
At the time of writing, there are four colorways to choose from. The color choices have a heritage style, and the pig nose and loop on the front make attaching gear easy. Whether you want to bring an umbrella or gym shoes to class, this pack has you covered.
The materials are thick, and there isn't any mesh on the back panel, so things can get warm, especially on sunny days, if you choose a darker colorway. This isn't uncommon for backpacks for college, but the lack of breathable mesh exacerbates this. However, in most conditions, this isn't an issue.
Considering the neat colorways and intuitive organization, we think this is one of the best backpacks for college.
Why We Like It- Heritage styling with good interior organization
- You can attach gear to the exterior
- The water bottle pockets aren’t very stretchy
- No ventilation on the back panel
Aer City Pack 2 Review
If you've been looking at college backpacks for ages and haven't found one that matches the professional look you're trying to emit throughout your collegiate career, we've got the pack for you. The Aer City Pack 2 is sleek, professional, and has some of the best internal organization of any pack that we've tested here at Pack Hacker.
Iterating on the original Aer City Pack, this follow-up feels a lot less cluttered thanks to a simplified main compartment. Gone are the too-many pockets, and it's now just a laptop sleeve and a big open space you can pack as you see fit. Whether that's a few textbooks, writing pads, and a pouch of gym clothing, you can fit them all here without worrying about blocking pockets.
Of course, since this is an Aer bag, you still get the usual goodies we've always known them for. Tough 1680-denier CORDURA® ballistic nylon, tight-fitting liner, well-structured shape, and a sleek, all-black, won't-make-you-stand-out-in-class-if-you-come-in-late aesthetic. In addition to trips to, from, and around campus, you can use this pack to go to the gym or on trips back home, as well.
Why We Like It- Sleek, professional, and well-built all around
- The main compartment isn't too cluttered with pockets, so it's easy to pack and use daily
- The shoulder straps' shape feels rigid around the neck area
- Key leash located way too low inside the front pocket
Able Carry Daily Backpack in Detroit
We've all heard the tale of Goldilocks and her pursuit of things that are 'just right.' The Able Carry Daily Backpack is just right in numerous cases, including the harness system and amount of organization. It features a comfortable carry, just enough organization, and a sleek design, making it one of the best backpacks for college.
Some of the pockets feel flimsier than we'd like them to be; however, that's more personal preference and doesn't affect usage. At 20 liters, it's a good size for walking around campus and can be used to go to the gym or take an overnight trip with friends for a sports game or conference.
The look of this pack will make you blend in with the pack but impresses on further inspection, which we dig. This presence makes it one of our favorite college backpacks, and you'll be sure to keep using it after graduation, too.
Why We Like It- The harness system is very comfortable
- Just enough organization to fit your daily essentials
- Some of the pockets on the inside feel too flimsy
- The laptop compartment isn’t raised very high from the bottom of the pack
Tom Bihn Daylight Backpack Review
TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack If you're a fan of modular backpacks and want something lightweight to ensure you can fly across campus, look no further than the TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack. It comes in at just 15.4 ounces (or 436.6 grams) for the 525D ballistic nylon model and a meager 12.3 ounces (or 348.7 grams) for the 400D Halcyon model. Plus, TOM BIHN gear works in tandem with its other products, so you're investing in an ecosystem.
The laptop isn't suspended (sometimes called a false bottom), so it hits the floor when you set the pack down. You'll get used to this and get around it by hangingit over a seat, setting it on a hook, holding onto it, or setting it down gently. Who wants all those floor germs anyways?
Considering how lightweight this pack is (for its durability), the modularity TOM BIHN offers, and how many rad colorways it comes in, this might be one of our favorite backpacks for college.
Why We Like It- Lightweight for how durable it is
- Has trademark TOM BIHN modularity options
- No false bottom or padding on the laptop sleeve
- The back panel can be uncomfortable depending on the load
Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack Review
If you're looking for a backpack crafted from recycled materials that still has a modern look and feel, check out the Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack. As the name suggests, it utilizes recycled materials to create a stylish daypack that will look great on campus, on a long weekend trip, or over the holidays back home.
This pack isn't very structured, which some folks aren't into. However, this isn't much of an issue if you plan to fill it up with school gear daily. If you only plan to throw a laptop inside, it might look slightly saggy.
At the time of writing, the Rennen comes in three colorways, all of which utilize RE-3, a material designed for Boundary Supply. It's durable, feels nice to hold, and looks sleek. For those who want to keep the environment in mind when shopping for the best backpacks for college, look no further!
Why We Like It- It utilizes recycled materials
- The design looks sleek and streamlined
- The materials don’t hold their weight
- Water bottle pocket can’t grip onto bottles
Osprey Arcane Large Day Pack (V2)
If you want a backpack that can go on a hike, tackle a weekend trip, and carry your crap across campus, we've got the backpack for you. The Osprey Arcane Large Day comes in numerous colorways, is a comfortable fit, and is versatile enough to be used for various activities, from campus to the canyon.
It might get dirty easily depending on your chosen colorway, which isn't ideal. However, we've found other products in the arcane line easy to clean, and there are darker options if you want to avoid it altogether.
Many people think of hiking when they think of Osprey. This pack can handle the trail fairly well, but the intuitive organization, laptop sleeve, and sleek design make it effective on campus. Everything considered, this is one of the Pack Hacker team's favorite college backpacks.
Why We Like It- A pack that can do it all, from the trail back to campus
- Laptop and tablet sleeves are suspended for protection
- Lighter colorways are easy to get dirty
- No strap keepers on the pack
Why You Should Trust Us
Two weeks isn’t exactly a full semester in college, though fond memories of those times certainly make them feel that short in hindsight. Nevertheless, all the backpacks we’ve listed here have been tested for at least that long, and our daily commutes to the office require many of the same things a college student carries, including a laptop, tech pouch, lunch, and more.
Additionally, we’ve reviewed hundreds of backpacks, ranging from daypacks designed for day-to-day commutes to travel backpacks with harness systems that can handle the weight of a week’s worth of gear. Rest assured, we’re not trying to saddle you with a backpack that’s too small or too big, as we’ve filtered all that testing experience into a select few that have the necessary features for college use.
How We Tested It
So, what exactly are we looking for in a college backpack? We’ve narrowed it down to the three aspects below. Keep in mind that these aren’t the be-all and end-all of what makes a backpack great for college, but we consider them priorities.
Laptop storage: Laptops are a staple tool of the typical college student, so we’d be remiss to recommend backpacks without a way to accommodate them. While plenty of backpacks do offer a laptop sleeve of some kind, we prefer a laptop compartment separate from the main compartment for easier access at a desk in a small, confined space. In terms of size, we’ve picked bags with laptop compartments that fit 13-inch to 16-inch devices, specifically the 13-inch MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Admin panel: As good as digital solutions might be, their analog equivalents—pen, pencil, and paper—still deserve a spot on a student’s toolkit. As such, backpacks with an admin panel prove very convenient when it’s time to take down notes. What is an admin panel, though? It’s usually a front compartment that is chock-full of a variety of pockets, though it’s sometimes in the main compartment and attached to the laptop sleeve. Slip pockets, mesh pockets, pen slots, key leashes, and document sleeves—these are all useful for keeping track of sticky notes, highlighters, pens, erasers, correction fluid, and whatever other stationeries you’re planning on bringing to lectures.
Carry Comfort: The college campus may not look that big, though shuffling across all of that multiple times a day can take its toll on your shoulders unless you pick a bag with a comfy harness system—just like the backpacks we’ve chosen. More than just a question of how much padding there is, we’re also mindful of how the straps are shaped, how they fit on a person with a small or large frame, and how easy it is to adjust the straps’ fit.
Durability: College may not be the toughest environment that comes to mind (unless you’ve signed up for that one class that frequently takes field trips), but some toughness is in order if you want your backpack to survive until graduation. That’s why we consider fabrics, zippers, and good stitching and suggest budget as well as splurge options that we’re sure will last for years.
Others We Considered
Topo Designs offers some of the most unique colorway options out there, and it’s no different for the Topo Designs Daypack. This Toy Story-like backpack offers basic yet functional organization within its main compartment, a sizeable water bottle pocket, and mesh-covered padded shoulder straps. That said, the back panel doesn’t have the same amenities, so it can still get pretty warm during those days you need to run around campus chasing down professors for late submissions.
Do you need a backpack for college?
At the very least, every college student should have a bag to carry around all the necessary textbooks, school supplies, and devices. That said, is a backpack the best style? For us, it’s a solid yes. Compared to a duffle, a messenger, a sling, or even a tote, a backpack is the most well-rounded option. For starters, having a pair of decently padded shoulder straps is better for weight distribution on your body compared to single-strapped bags. It may not be immediately obvious on your first day, but a few semesters of hauling gear can take its toll, so you’ll definitely want a bag that’s easy on the body.
Aside from comfort, backpacks also offer a good mix of flat space and open space for your gear. In other words, they’ll accommodate documents, forms, and handouts just as well as rolled-up shirts, packed lunches, and that one oddly-shaped art project you made in your elective that you’ve grown attached to.
What size should a college backpack be?
Size really depends on what you need throughout your campus life—and that’s kind of hard to determine. In our experience, keeping it simple and light is usually the way to go. To that end, daypacks around 30 liters or less is more than enough for most cases. You’ll just need to size up and down that range depending on whether you need to carry extra gym clothes, textbooks, stacks of writeups, or your own packed lunch. If your school has switched to largely electronic resources, you can probably go as small as 12 liters and still have a little room to spare.
It’s worth mentioning that a common denominator for choosing the size of your backpack is the size of the laptop you’ll be using. For example, if you’re simply using a 13-inch MacBook Air, it might be overkill to go for a backpack designed for 16-inch devices. The reverse is also true.
What features should a college backpack have?
The basic features we typically look for in all backpacks usually apply to ones we’d consider with college backpacks. In terms of comfort, we prefer a good amount of padding in both the shoulder straps and back panel, and we really prefer if that padding is also covered in mesh. Durability is also a huge factor, as a backpack should last you until the day you’re handed your diploma. To that end, high-denier nylon and polyester fabrics are solid choices, with DWR or other coatings for added weather protection being a nice bonus.
As for specific features, a padded laptop compartment is essential. Laptops are some of the most sensitive and expensive pieces of gear you’ll be hauling around campus, so it makes sense to afford it all the protection you can. Some backpacks have a simple, non-padded sleeve, while others offer a separate compartment with thick padding. Within that spectrum, we recommend leaning towards the latter so you don’t risk losing your notes or that precious thesis draft before the big day.